PFM Executive Search congratulates Mark Collins as he begins his new position as President & CEO of BC Ferries – one of the largest ferry operators in the world, providing year-round vehicle and passenger service on 24 routes to 47 terminals, with a fleet of 34 vessels.
Following a competition with candidates from around the world expressing interest in the position of CEO, the Board of Directors for BC Ferries named Mark to the senior leadership position. He brings experience as a senior marine executive for the past 20 years, including past roles as the President of Rolls Royce Marine Brazil and Italy, and Vice President of Global Technical Services, CSL Group. Previous to being named CEO, Mark was Vice President of Strategic Planning & Community Engagement at BC Ferries, and was the Vice President, Engineering between 2004 and 2012.
When making the appointment, Board Chair Donald Hayes said, “Mark Collins has demonstrated his ability to lead teams and work collaboratively with diverse groups, skills we believe to be vital for the CEO position.” Hayes added, “Mr. Collins cares deeply for the company, its employees and the people in coastal communities who regularly use our services. The Board looks forward to working with him in his new role.”
Donald Hayes said the Board unanimously agreed that Mark Collins has the ideal combination of maritime experience, academic training, operational expertise and leadership skills. Mark has 35 years of marine experience, 20 of them in executive leadership positions; holds a Master of Business Administration (Transport and Logistics) and a Diploma of Technical (Marine) Engineering; has delivered more than $1 billion worth of projects on-time and on-budget; and has been a Marine Engineer Officer on oil tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels and fishing vessels.
“We will continue our focus on safety,” said Collins. “And I will work with my team to continue to deliver a travel experience for our customers that is reliable, safe and enjoyable, and ensure BC Ferries is viewed as an asset to coastal communities. I look forward to working with the provincial government, the B.C. Ferry Commission, our employees and ferry dependent communities to deliver excellent service and an excellent experience.”
PFM Executive Search is pleased to have been engaged by the Board of Directors in facilitating an inclusive search process that involved a wide variety of key stakeholders and partner groups.
For almost 25-years PFM Executive Search has assisted Boards, Selection Committees and decision-makers in recruiting world-class leaders to world-class organizations. Our firm is recognized as a leader in executive search in Canada.